The governments of Katsina and Plateau states have directed the immediate closure of schools following a surge in bandit attacks targeting educational institutions.
In Katsina, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, announced the shutdown on Friday, saying it was necessary to protect students and teachers as security agencies roll out a new safety strategy across the state. The directive also affects students currently writing examinations.
He explained that the measure is temporary and will remain in place until a full security assessment is completed in high-risk areas. Normal academic activities will resume once adequate protection has been ensured.
In Plateau, the Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) also confirmed the closure of schools. Its spokesperson, Richard Jonah, said the decision was taken to prevent possible security threats. According to him, junior model secondary schools will close from Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools will close from Monday, November 24.
He urged education authorities, school administrators, and community leaders to comply with the directive and stay vigilant.
The closures come less than a day after gunmen abducted several students from a Catholic school in Niger State — the second mass abduction in a week. Earlier on Monday, armed men attacked a girls’ boarding school in Kebbi State, kidnapping 25 students and killing a security staff member.
These repeated attacks have intensified public criticism of the federal government’s handling of national security. Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has appealed for public support for ongoing military operations.
